Similar measures, aimed at preventing obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay, failed to advance in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

A new bill introduced in the state legislature last week would require California beverage manufacturers to place warning labels on sugary beverages sold in the state.

State Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel) introduced Senate Bill 300, which would require manufacturers to post health warning labels on all sugar-sweetened beverages with more than 75 calories per 12-ounce serving.

"I am doing this so that consumers will be given more information to help them make more healthful choices," said Monning. "Strong and compelling scientific evidence clearly shows drinking sodas, sport drinks, and other sugary drinks heightens your risk of preventable, chronic disease."

Warning labels could help reduce the prevalence of health problems like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease that begin at an early age, said Robert Lustig, MD, a professor of pediatrics at the UC San Francisco Division of Endocrinology.